Festa Italia

Festa Italia

Save the date for the award-winning 90^th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions. Join us for this special festival honoring the local fishermen of Monterey, both past and present. This event’s free entertainment line-up, described below, is unrivaled!

This popular family friendly free event shares the sights, sounds, food, and culture that make the Italian experience so special. It is a celebrated festival each year drawing locals and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. It features three days of authentic Italian cuisine, great music, dancing, fun and friendship. The delicious flavors of Italy are enjoyed by attendees with tasty food offerings (for purchase) including Calamari, Steak and Sausage Sandwiches, Pasta, Arancini, Cannoli and more, as well as wine, beer, sodas, and water. There is also an array of Italian and Festa Italia-themed merchandise as well as vendors selling crafts and clothing.

The first Festa Italia in Monterey was celebrated in 1933 when a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, was donated to the San Carlos Cathedral. Sicilian fishermen would pray to their patron saint for a safe journey and bountiful harvest. It is important that we remember our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations. Festa Italia celebrates these traditions and keeps our stories, old and new, alive to ensure that our heritage is never lost. Everyone is welcome to join in at this fun, festive event! The 2022 Festa Italia was pleased to win the Reader’s Choice Award for Best Community Event in the Monterey Herald.

Friday, September 8^th – 3 pm – 9 pm
Food, Wine, Beer & Vendors (for purchase)
The Money Band – 6 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, September 9^th – 10 am – 9 pm
Opening Ceremonies and Procession to Old Fisherman’s Wharf for the traditional blessing of the fishing fleet followed by entertainment and all event activities, including the Bocce Tournament.
Food, Wine & Vendors (for purchase)
Mike Marotta Band including Mike Marotta and Dennis Murphy and Paul Tarantino and vocalists Dave Marzetti, Erasmo Aiello, Rachel Halim and Anna Halim
Tarantella Dancers
Anthony Lane Band
Pasquale Esposito

Sunday, September 10^th – 10 am – 6 pm
Bocce Tournament
Food, Wine, Beer & Vendors (for purchase)
Mike Marotta Band including Mike Marotta and Dennis Murphy and Paul Tarantino and singers Dave Marzetti, Erasmo Aiello, Rachel Halim and Anna Halim
Tarantella Dancers
Anthony Lane Band
Pasquale Esposito

Bocce Tournament – Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park

Tickets are sold for raffles for a variety of prizes (need not be present to win)

Information: (831) 633-4444 or email mail@FestaItaliaMonterey.org

Additional information on the website: www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org